Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Johannesburg
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Johannesburg, I know that keeping your Cottage spotless is essential for ensuring a five-star guest experience. Over the years, I've developed this comprehensive cleaning checklist specifically tailored for Airbnb hosts, based on what works best for properties in Johannesburg.
This checklist covers everything you need to maintain a welcoming and hygienic space:
- Daily Essentials: Take care of the most important tasks every day to keep your Airbnb looking fresh and ready for guests.
- Weekly & Monthly Deep Cleaning: Follow a schedule for deeper cleaning, ensuring that every corner of your Cottage remains in top condition.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Alternatives: Use sustainable products and methods to maintain high cleaning standards while being mindful of the environment.
- Safety Precautions: Protect yourself and your guests by following important safety guidelines during the cleaning process.
This checklist is designed to help you stay ahead in the competitive Airbnb market by keeping your Cottage spotless and ensuring guests have an exceptional stay in Johannesburg. Follow these steps, and your property will always be in pristine condition, earning rave reviews from your guests.
1. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Attic
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Vacuum or sweep the floor and corners | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Natural bristle broom | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Watch out for any sharp objects on the floor | Move furniture to clean underneath and behind them. |
| General | Remove any cobwebs from corners and ceiling | Extendable duster | Microfiber cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from resettling. |
| General | Dust and wipe down any furniture or storage boxes | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use appropriate lifting techniques for heavy items | Use a toothbrush to get into crevices and corners. |
| General | Vacuum or sweep the attic floor thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner or broom with dustpan | Manual carpet sweeper | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Check for any sharp objects or debris before vacuuming to avoid damage. | Use crevice tools to reach tight corners and edges. |
| General | Dust and wipe down all surfaces in the attic, including walls, shelves, and furniture. | Microfiber cloths and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Every 2 months | 1.5 hours | High | Ensure good ventilation while cleaning to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Start from top to bottom to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| General | Organize storage boxes and containers in the attic. | Label maker and storage bins | Recycled cardboard boxes and reusable fabric bins | Every 3 months | 1 hour | Medium | Avoid overloading shelves or stacking boxes too high to prevent accidents. | Use clear containers or label each box to easily identify stored items. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic space. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Broom and dustpan | Every 3 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and debris. | Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles to declutter efficiently. |
| General | Inspect and clean attic windows and sills. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloths | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar | Every 3 months | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious while working at heights. | Remove any cobwebs or insect nests around the windows for a thorough clean. |
| General | Inspect for any signs of pests or rodents | Flashlight and pest repellent | Essential oils like peppermint | Quarterly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves if handling any traps or repellents | Seal any cracks or holes to prevent pest entry. |
| General | Check for any water leaks or damage | Flashlight and moisture meter | Biodegradable leak detection dye | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | High | Avoid touching any wet or damaged areas directly | Address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage. |
| General | Organize storage areas and declutter unnecessary items | Storage bins and labels | Recycled cardboard boxes | Annually | 1 hour | High | Use gloves when handling old or dusty items | Donate or recycle items that are no longer needed. |
| General | Check for signs of pests or mold in the attic. | Flashlight and pest control spray | Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus | Every 6 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling potential pest-infested areas. | Seal any cracks or openings that may serve as entry points for pests. |
2. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bathroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sink Cleaning | Clean and disinfect the sink, faucet, and drain. | Bathroom cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals to prevent harmful reactions. | Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Toilet Cleaning | Scrub and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using cleaning chemicals. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Floor Cleaning | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor for a clean and fresh look. | Floor cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Ensure the floor is dry before allowing guests to use the bathroom. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning and drying. |
| Surface Cleaning | Wipe down all surfaces including countertops, shelves, and cabinets. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for streak-free cleaning. |
| Shower And Tub Cleaning | Scrub and rinse the shower walls, tub, and fixtures. | Shower cleaner | Lemon juice and baking soda | After each guest check-out | 20 minutes | High | Use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging surfaces. | Dry the surfaces after cleaning to prevent water spots. |
| Mirror Cleaning | Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner for a streak-free finish. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the mirror to prevent damage. | Use a squeegee for a professional finish. |
| Trash Removal | Empty the trash bin and replace with a fresh liner. | Trash bags | Biodegradable trash bags | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | Medium | Tie the trash bag securely to prevent spills. | Check for any hidden trash under the sink or in cabinets. |
| Floor | Sweep, mop, or vacuum the bathroom floor. | Floor cleaner suitable for the flooring type | Vinegar and water solution for mopping | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use caution when working with wet floors to prevent slipping. | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains. |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach | Vinegar and baking soda | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Shower And Tub | Clean the shower walls, tub, fixtures, and showerhead. | Shower cleaner with scrubbing brush | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use non-toxic cleaners to prevent skin irritation. | Soak the showerhead in vinegar to remove mineral deposits. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner with microfiber cloth | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar and water | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the glass. | Wipe in a circular motion to avoid streaks. |
| Sink | Scrub and sanitize the sink, faucet, and drain. | All-purpose cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaners containing bleach with other products. | Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Trash Bin | Empty and disinfect the trash bin. | Disinfectant spray or wipes | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Wear gloves when handling trash to prevent contamination. | Line the bin with a trash bag for easier cleaning and odor control. |
| Vent Cleaning | Vacuum or wipe down bathroom vents to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Turn off the vent before cleaning to avoid injury. | Use a small brush attachment on the vacuum for thorough cleaning. |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Wipe down the cabinet fronts, handles, and insides. | Wood cleaner or all-purpose cleaner | DIY cleaner with olive oil and lemon juice | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Use appropriate cleaners for the cabinet material to avoid damage. | Declutter and organize the contents while cleaning to maintain order. |
| Exhaust Fan | Clean and dust the exhaust fan and cover. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and compressed air | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off the power to the fan before cleaning to avoid accidents. | Regularly clean the fan to prevent dust buildup and maintain air quality. |
| Organizing Storage | Check and organize bathroom storage spaces like cabinets and shelves. | Storage bins or baskets | Recycled containers | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Low | Handle items carefully to avoid breakage. | Label containers for easy identification of items. |
3. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bedroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor, paying attention to corners and under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small items on the floor before vacuuming to avoid damage. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and edges. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan. | Manual carpet sweeper or bamboo broom. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small objects on the floor to avoid damaging the vacuum cleaner. | Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including bedside tables, dresser, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish. | White vinegar and olive oil mixture. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals in furniture polish. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the furniture surface. |
| Furniture | Dust all furniture surfaces including bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cotton cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets. | Mild laundry detergent and fabric softener. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent and wool dryer balls. | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on bedding labels to avoid damage. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, lamps, and ornaments. | Soft dusting brush or cloth | Feather duster | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust from lampshades. |
| Bed | Change bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Vinegar as a fabric softener | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Handle dirty linens carefully to avoid spreading dirt. | Rotate and flip the mattress regularly to ensure even wear and tear. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics like TV, speakers, and charging stations. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and ports on electronic devices. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth and gentle all-purpose cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and homemade citrus cleaner. | Monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a soft brush or cotton swab to clean intricate details on decorative items. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills using a glass cleaner. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar-water solution | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Be cautious when using a step stool near windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag pattern to avoid streaks. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter the closet, folding or hanging clothes neatly. | Closet organizers | Use recycled cardboard boxes for storage | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Avoid overloading closet rods to prevent accidents. | Rotate seasonal clothing to keep the closet organized and functional. |
| Windows | Clean windows, window sills, and tracks inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | White vinegar and water solution. | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed and be cautious with glass edges. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth attached to a long stick | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow out dust from unreachable vents. |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment or microfiber cloth. | Lint roller or damp cloth. | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Medium | Be gentle when handling delicate fabrics to avoid tearing. | Spot clean any stains on curtains immediately to prevent them from setting. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and vinegar solution. | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Low | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent leaving lint on lampshades. |
4. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Kitchen
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Wipe down countertops with a disinfectant cleaner to remove any food residue and germs. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Dishwashing | Wash and dry dishes, pots, and utensils. Check for any food particles or residue. | Dish soap and sponge | Biodegradable dish soap | Daily | 15-20 minutes | High | Use gloves if hands are sensitive to dish soap. | Soak dishes with tough stains before washing for easier cleaning. |
| Dishware | Wash dishes, utensils, and glassware using a dish soap and hot water, then dry and put away in designated storage areas. | Dish soap | Biodegradable dish soap | Daily | 20 minutes | High | Handle sharp knives carefully to avoid cuts. | Soak pots and pans in warm, soapy water to make cleaning easier. |
| Sink | Clean and sanitize the sink using a mild abrasive cleaner to remove stains and odors. | Baking soda | Lemon and salt scrub | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning products as it can produce harmful fumes. | Unclog the drain regularly to prevent buildup. |
| Countertops | Wipe down countertops with a disinfectant cleaner to remove any spills, food particles, and stains. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 5-10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for streak-free cleaning. |
| Sink | Clean and sanitize the sink to remove any food residue, soap scum, and odors. | Baking soda and vinegar | Lemon and salt | Daily | 5-10 minutes | High | Avoid mixing baking soda with acidic cleaners. | Use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the sink. |
| Utensils | Check utensils for any food residue, wash with soapy water, and ensure they are properly organized in drawers or holders. | Dish brush | Bamboo utensils | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid leaving sharp utensils loose in drawers to prevent injuries. | Rotate utensils in storage to prevent wear on one side. |
| Utensils | Check and clean utensils for any food residue or rust. Replace any damaged or worn-out utensils. | Dish soap and warm water | Vinegar solution | Weekly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Handle sharp utensils with care. | Dry utensils thoroughly to prevent rusting. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, and oven to remove fingerprints and spills. | Stainless steel cleaner | White vinegar solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Clean the inside of the microwave with a mixture of water and lemon juice for a fresh scent. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. | Stainless steel cleaner | Olive oil and lemon juice | Weekly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry, cabinets, and drawers by removing expired food items, wiping down surfaces, and rearranging items for easy access. | Organizing bins | Recycled cardboard dividers | Monthly | 30 minutes | Low | Use a step stool if needed to reach high shelves safely. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Remove expired food items and reorganize storage containers. | All-purpose cleaner | Baking soda paste | Monthly | 30-45 minutes | Low | Use a step stool for reaching high cabinets safely. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Behind Electronics | Dust and clean behind kitchen electronics like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders. | Compressed air duster | Soft brush attachment on vacuum | Quarterly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use cotton swabs to reach small crevices. |
| Vents | Clean kitchen vents and exhaust fan to prevent grease buildup and improve air quality. | Degreaser spray | Vinegar and baking soda | Quarterly | 20-30 minutes | Medium | Turn off the vent fan before cleaning. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, behind appliances, and inside cabinets to remove dust and debris that can accumulate over time. | Microfiber duster | Reusable microfiber cloth | Quarterly | 45 minutes | Low | Use a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Vacuum under furniture and appliances to remove hidden dirt and crumbs. |
| Under Furniture | Move furniture and clean underneath to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Microfiber dusting cloths | Bi-annually | 30-45 minutes | Low | Enlist help for heavy furniture. | Use furniture sliders to move heavy items easily. |
5. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Living Room
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors. | Vacuum cleaner and floor cleaner suitable for the floor type. | Baking soda for carpet deodorizing and vinegar solution for mopping. | Weekly | 1 hour | High | Use caution when moving furniture to avoid scratching the floor. | Use furniture sliders to easily move heavy furniture for thorough cleaning. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish. | Vinegar and water solution. | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Move furniture around occasionally to clean underneath and behind them. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Wood furniture polish | Homemade furniture polish using olive oil and vinegar | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from chemicals in commercial polishes. | Use a microfiber cloth for dusting to avoid scratching the furniture. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaner. | Carpet cleaner for rugs, floor cleaner for hard floors | Vinegar and water solution for mopping | Weekly | 45 minutes | High | Ensure rugs are properly secured to prevent slipping during vacuuming. | Rotate furniture periodically to prevent carpet wear patterns. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV screens, remotes, and speakers. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and tight spaces on electronics. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items like vases, picture frames, and ornaments. | Soft cloth or duster. | Microfiber cloth or reusable dusting mitt. | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items regularly to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water and a drop of mild soap | Monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items to prevent sun damage and dust accumulation. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV screens, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Electronics-safe cleaning wipes or microfiber cloth. | Microfiber cloth dampened with water. | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning and avoid using excess liquid. | Use a can of compressed air to clean dust from vents and crevices in electronics. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed to reach high windows safely. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Vinegar and water solution for glass cleaning. | Monthly | 45 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if necessary for reaching high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by quick drying. |
| Lighting Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. | Microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner for lampshades. | Microfiber cloth dampened with water. | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Ensure lights are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Remove lampshades and clean them separately for a thorough job. |
